Francis Ngannou apparently heard Dana White loud and clear – and he disputes the UFC president’s latest takes on his departure and PFL signing.
Following Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 224 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, White gave a lengthy reaction to Ngannou’s recent signing after months of free agency and market exploration.
White brought up multiple criticisms pertaining to different aspects of Ngannou’s deal, boxing hopes, and PFL’s business moves.
Ngannou responded Sunday on Twitter with a series of tweets to rebut White’s comments. Check them out below.
'What's your problem with me?'
First, Ngannou took exception with White’s verbiage the promotion “released” him. Ngannou said his contract concluded and he elected to enter free agency – no permission necessary.
Second on the list, Ngannou refuted White’s accusation he doesn’t want to take risks. Ngannou pointed to a successful January 2022 title defense against Ciryl Gane, after which it was revealed Ngannou fought with multiple torn ligaments in his knee.
What is your problem with me?
1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me
2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
Inactivity addressed
Third and finally on the numbered portion of his tweet spree, Ngannou redirected the blame for his inactivity back at White and said the promotion did not offer him more fights than the ones he accepted.
3. The reason I fought three times in three years is because you wanted to control my deal and signs a new one. And freeze me out. “I owe these guys three fights a year.” Isn’t that what you say? What happened? I always asked for & never said no to any fight in the 3 years
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
'I'm finally getting paid and respected'
Ngannou circled back and questioned White’s overarching criticism again.
“Why are so against me being free and happy?” Ngannou wrote.
I’m finally getting paid and respected, and have a deal that’s fair and equal for all parties. Why are you so against me being free and happy?
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
Co-promotion invitation
Ngannou also redirected White to PFL CEO Peter Murray as he proposed a co-promotion fight with Jon Jones.
If you ever really want that Jon Jones fight to happen reach out to @PeteMurrayPFL.
Whenever, wherever
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
Video receipt?
Ngannou topped off his series of tweets with a video of White from UFC 260 in March 2021. In the clip, which came moments after Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic to claim heavyweight gold, White cast doubt Jones was interested in fighting Ngannou – a reverse of what White has said transpired recently.
Who really is scared? Jon, me … or you? $$$$
Make up your mind 🤔🤫 pic.twitter.com/d0FurJOHgH
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023
Ngannou, 36, has not competed since January 2022. Since his departure from the UFC, Ngannou has advocated to fighter treatment, policies, and pay as the reason for his departure and signing with PFL.
“It was easy,” Ngannou told DAZN. “I think it was the easiest choice made because from Day 1 that I talked to them, I understand their vision, their global vision, their vision for the sport.
